- Choose a programme at a Dutch research university or university of applied sciences.
- Register through Studielink (for most programmes) and complete the institution's own application.
- Submit your diplomas and an English test result, and receive your admission.
- Prove funds of at least EUR 1,130.77 per month as your institution instructs.
- Your institution applies to the IND for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit.
- Once approved, collect the MVV at the Dutch embassy or consulate and travel to the Netherlands.
- Register with your municipality, receive your BSN and collect your residence permit.
Study in Netherlands from Pakistan
Checked October 9, 2026 against official sources
The Netherlands is known for its many English-taught degree programmes, its research universities and its practice-oriented universities of applied sciences. Pakistani students value the interactive teaching style and the international environment. The university handles the residence permit application, and graduates can apply for an orientation year to find work.
Money to show (visa)1,131 EUR / monthabout PKR 351,062
Work while studyingWith a work permit (TWV) applied for by the employer: maximum 16 hours per week during the year, or full-time in June, July and August.
Work after graduationOrientation year (zoekjaar): a one-year residence permit to look for work or start a business, for those who completed studies in the Netherlands within the past 3 years.
Why Pakistani students choose Netherlands
- Wide range of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes
- Your Dutch institution applies for your residence permit as sponsor
- Orientation year permit valid for one year for graduates within 3 years of completing studies
- Non-EU students can work up to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August, with a work permit
- Most applications start through Studielink
What it costs
| Monthly living costs for the study residence permit (university or HBO) IND amount valid 1 January to 31 December 2026 |
1,131 EUR per month about PKR 351,062 |
|---|
Living costs: Amsterdam (daily food, transport and rent estimates).
Work out the money to show in PKR → · Tuition is listed on each university page below.
Universities in Netherlands
All 5 →Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Delft
EUR 26,479 per year (institutional rate for non-EU/EEA students, 2027/28 entr...
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Eindhoven
EUR 22,400 per year (institutional fee for non-EU/EEA master's students, 2027...
Leiden University
Leiden
EUR 22,900 per year for most master's programmes (non-EEA, 2027/28); Faculty ...
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Amsterdam
EUR 20,200-34,300 per year for most master's programmes (institutional fee fo...
Utrecht University
Utrecht
EUR 22,000 or 26,100 per year for most master's programmes (non-EU institutio...
Scholarships in Netherlands
All 6 →
53 days left
Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS)
Leiden University's merit scholarship for excellent non-EEA students starting a full-time Master'...
53 days leftJustus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
A full scholarship for excellent international students admitted to a regular two-year MSc at TU ...
84 days leftTU/e Scholarship for Excellence: Shaping the Future of Microchip Innovation
TU/e's merit scholarship for highly talented international students entering selected Master's pr...
114 days leftRadboud Scholarship Programme
A very selective scholarship for talented non-EU/EEA students taking an English-taught Master's a...
Check official siteNL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)
A one-off €5,000 award for students from outside the EEA starting a full-time bachelor's or maste...
Check official siteAmsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS)
The University of Amsterdam's merit scholarship for outstanding students with a non-EU/EEA passpo...
Student visa and English
- Many programmes are taught in English; you must pass an accepted English test such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English.
- Health insurance is required by law; students here only to study need adequate home-country or private insurance, and Dutch public insurance becomes mandatory once you take a job.
Steps to study in Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to study in the Netherlands?
For 2026, the IND requires students at a university or university of applied sciences to have EUR 1,130.77 per month for living costs. Tuition is extra: Study in NL gives average non-EU fees of EUR 9,000-20,000 a year for bachelor's and EUR 12,000-30,000 for master's programmes.
Can I work while studying in the Netherlands?
Yes, but your employer needs a work permit (TWV) for you. With it you can work up to 16 hours per week during the year, or full-time in June, July and August. Once you take a job, Dutch public health insurance becomes mandatory.
Do I apply for the Dutch student visa myself?
No. Only your Dutch educational institution can apply for the student residence permit, and the MVV entry visa where needed, on your behalf. After the IND approves it, your institution informs you and you collect the MVV at the embassy or consulate.
Can I stay in the Netherlands after graduation?
Yes. Non-EU graduates who completed their studies in the Netherlands within the past 3 years can apply for the orientation year residence permit. It is valid for one year and lets you look for work as a knowledge migrant or start a business.
Amounts in PKR use today's exchange rate. Rules change; always confirm on the official pages linked here before you apply.
